Indian security forces on Wednesday killed at least four suspected militants in a gun battle after chasing down a lorry on a motorway near Jammu city, a link to Kashmir, police said.
The battle began at a police checkpoint in Sidhra near Jammu city at 7am, when officers tried to stop the lorry travelling to the Himalayan region of Kashmir.
But the lorry driver accelerated and later fled, arousing suspicion from police.
When a police team started searching the abandoned lorry, militants hiding inside opened fire and a gun battle ensued, said Mukesh Singh of Jammu police.
“All the terrorists were killed in retaliatory fire," Mr Singh said.
“The police recovered seven AK-47 rifles, one M4 rifle and three pistols [and] ammunition,” he said.
The lorry caught fire in the gun battle and fire tenders were used to douse the blaze.
The driver of the lorry was still at large on Wednesday with a manhunt under way.
Police sealed the area and stopped traffic on the road that connects the region with New Delhi.
“We have alerted all the police stations and accordingly search operations are being conducted to apprehend the absconder," Mr Singh said.
He said the lorry was intercepted after a special team spotted the unusual movement of the vehicle. Lorries usually travel in the area after noon.
It is believed the militants were being taken to a hideout in Kashmir.
Kashmir is a disputed territory between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming the entire region. Rebels have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989.
The valley is experiencing an increase in militant activities since August 2019 when New Delhi arbitrarily stripped the partial autonomy of the region and divided the disputed region into two federally governed territories.
Police have tightened security ahead of India's Republic Day on January 26.
Security forces claimed to have averted a militant attack in Udhampur near Jammu on Tuesday after defusing a 15kg improvised explosive device.
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
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Abu Dhabi traffic facts
Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road
The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.
Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.
The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.
The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.
Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019
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Power 375hp @ 6,500rpm
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')
Liverpool 1 (Lallana 84')
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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